Nicole Wu is a pianist and a dedicated undergraduate student at McGill University's Schulich School of Music, under the supervision of Dr. Ilya Poletaev. She began her musical journey at the age of four and swiftly transitioned into public performances and competitions at six, marking the start of her career.
Nicole has participated and won prizes in multiple international competitions and festivals around the world. Notable achievements include the Golden Award at the 2016 Shanghai International Competition and a 1st place win in the Irmler International Competition in 2017. In 2022, her musical journey reached new heights with two senior scholarships at the Ottawa Kiwanis Festival, first prize in the Ontario provincial piano competition, and recognition as one of the ten semifinalists in the OSM competition. Additionally, she is one of the finalists for McGill's romantic piano concerto competition in 2024.
Nicole actively seeks opportunities to enhance her musical skills, attending masterclasses in her school by renowned musicians like Daniel Shapiro and Robert Levin. She has also participated in renowned music festivals, including the Domaine Forget Academy, Orford Academy, and the International Holland Music Academy (2023) where she performed three recitals, receiving praise and acclaim for her exceptional performances. These experiences have enriched her artistry, along with guidance from esteemed professors such as Angela Chang, Benedetto Lupo, Eric Le Sage, Ronan O'Hora, Kevin Kenner, Christopher Elton, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, and Boris Berman, affirming her commitment to continuous growth and musical excellence.
Her dedication extends beyond music, with diverse interests in drawing, reading, swimming, and ice skating. She also excels as a competitive badminton player, having been a valued member of her high school senior badminton team and the esteemed Holy Trinity Badminton Club.